MercadoLibre’s fintech arm, Mercado Pago, announced on March 31, 2026 that it will discontinue its branded cryptocurrency, Mercado Coin, effective April 17, 2026. The token, launched in August 2022 on the Ethereum ERC‑20 network in partnership with Ripio, had been a component of the company’s loyalty program, offering users cashback rewards on marketplace purchases.
Users holding Mercado Coin will no longer be able to buy, sell, or earn cashback after the effective date. Balances will be automatically converted to fiat currency or can be applied as purchase credits on MercadoLibre’s marketplace, allowing customers to retain value while simplifying the program.
The decision reflects a strategic shift away from a branded digital asset toward a more streamlined rewards system. Mercado Coin never achieved widespread adoption, and the company’s announcement noted that the token had not built meaningful traction. MercadoLibre continues to hold Bitcoin on its balance sheet and offers the Meli Dolar (MUSD) stablecoin through Mercado Pago, indicating that the company is not exiting the crypto space entirely but is refining its approach.
From a business perspective, the discontinuation removes a low‑impact, low‑usage component of the loyalty program, reducing operational complexity and allowing the company to focus resources on core payment and marketplace services. The move aligns with a broader industry trend of firms reevaluating branded tokens launched during the 2021‑2022 crypto boom.
No significant market reaction data is available, but the announcement is a notable operational change that may influence how users engage with MercadoLibre’s loyalty and payment offerings.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.